Communications and Society Program

FOCAS 2008 overview

The Aspen Institute Communications and Society Program
in conjunction with
The Knight Commission on the Information Needs of Communities in a Democracy
present FOCAS 2008 on the theme of
Media & Democracy

FOCAS 2008 includes 4 interactive Roundtables:

• Media and Public Engagement
• Media and Elections
• Information Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship
• Global Citizenship and the Media

The roundtables explore the electoral and non-electoral elements of a democracy, particularly how the citizenry engages with representatives and with each other and, the role of media in enhancing social capital, civic engagement, and public well-being.  This is an exceptionally acute topic in this presidential election year.

FOCAS 2008 leaders and experts include:

Julius Genachowski, Founder, Rock Creek Ventures
Reed Hundt, Former Chairman, Federal Communications Commission
Walter Isaacson, Chairman and CEO, The Aspen Institute
Alberto Ibargüen, President & CEO, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Marissa Mayer, Vice President, Search Products and User Experience, Google
Craig Newmark, Founder, craigslist
Andrew Prozes, CEO, Lexis Nexis Group

View a list of the participants and speakers of the 2007 event.

Contact
For sponsorship and participant opportunities, please contact Ms. Erin Silliman at the Communications and Society Program at 1-202-736-5818 or by email at erin.silliman@aspeninstitute.org